Your Crew
CAPTAIN Andres Celada & CHEF Thais Escalona
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- WINTER CREW - December to April ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RELIEF CAPTAIN: Andres Celada
Spanish
Diploma: Captain 200
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Andres is a seasoned sailor and water sports professional with a lifelong passion for exploring the world's oceans.
Raised near the sea, Andres, growing up in Spain, developed a deep love for sailing, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing from a young age.
With extensive experience in the water sports industry, Andres has worked globally, sharing his expertise in destinations such as Germany, the Canary Islands, New Zealand, South Africa, the Caribbean, and French Polynesia.
When not working as a captain on ZEN QUEST you will find him teaching paragliding in the Swiss Alps. As a highly experienced captain, Andres has clocked countless miles at sea, honing his skills and accumulating valuable knowledge.
His adventurous spirit, passion for travel, and dedication to sharing his expertise make him an invaluable asset on ZEN QUEST.
RELIEF CHEF: Thais Escalona
Spanish
Cordon Bleu Diploma
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Thais is an accomplished Spanish chef with a passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences.
Holding a prestigious Cordon Bleu Diploma, Thais has honed her craft and successfully led her own restaurant in Spain.
With over six years as a head chef, Thais sought new horizons, embracing her love for travel and exploration with her partner Andres. She discovered a new calling as a private chef, relishing the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with guests and tailor her creations to their unique preferences.
Thais found her ideal platform on the ZEN QUEST, where she can focus on intimate, personalized experiences. Her culinary philosophy emphasizes adaptability, incorporating delicious ingredients, and infusing every dish with a touch of love.
With Thais in the kitchen, every meal becomes a memorable journey.
STEW - MATE : Maya REYNOLDS
Born and raised on Maui, Hawaii, Maya brings a calm, uplifting energy and a passion for wellness to the crew.
She is a licensed esthetician and massage therapist with a deep love for yoga, the ocean, and travel.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her surfing, diving, or hiking—always staying active and connected to nature. Her warm spirit, positive attitude, and radiant smile make her a guest favorite and a joy to have on board.
Maya is highly motivated, discreet, and attentive, offering a thoughtful presence that enhances each guest’s experience.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMER CREW - May to November ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPTAIN: Bart de ZWART
Bart has been on the water his entire life. Raised in the Netherlands by parents who ran a sailing school and charter business, sailing was second nature from a young age. Since then, he has captained a wide variety of boats—handling deliveries, private cruises, and charter trips across the globe.
A true waterman, Bart has spent decades exploring the world by sea. After studying tourism in Holland, he set out on his own adventures—sailing 3 to 6 months a year across the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Atlantic, and Caribbean. He later combined his passion for wind and water by co-owning windsurf centers in Greece, Venezuela, and eventually Maui with his wife.
From 2005 to 2008, Bart spent three years sailing around the world with his wife and daughter, gaining extensive offshore experience and a deep appreciation for life at sea.
Bart is also known internationally as “Mr. Endurance” in the world of stand-up paddling. He has completed and led numerous SUP expeditions around the world. He’s a four-time winner of the prestigious 11-City Tour and, in 2018, won the SUP division of the Yukon 1000—the longest paddle race on Earth, covering 1,000 miles through the Canadian and Alaskan wilderness.
A licensed captain and big-wave rider, Bart is experienced in everything from long ocean crossings to surfing, windsurfing, wing foiling, and SUP racing. Calm, capable, and endlessly adventurous, he brings a deep love of the ocean and years of hands-on expertise to every charter.
CHEF: Dagmar de ZWART
Dagmar started her career as a graphic designer in Germany, but her love for the ocean soon led her in a new direction. She learned to sail in 1990 and, not long after, she and her husband began running windsurfing centers in Greece, Venezuela, and Hawaii.
From 2005 to 2008, Dagmar sailed around the world with her husband and daughter—a life-changing adventure that deepened her connection to the sea. In 2009, the family settled in Maui, where they launched a windsurf school and rental center.
Dagmar has always loved cooking and began taking advanced classes in 2019 to take her skills to the next level. Since 2020, she and her husband have been working full-time aboard a 57-foot catamaran in French Polynesia, where Dagmar serves as the Chef.
She’s known for her warm hospitality, creative cooking, and calm, can-do attitude—always making guests feel welcome and well taken care of.
STEW - MATE : Maya REYNOLDS
Born and raised on Maui, Hawaii, Maya brings a calm, uplifting energy and a passion for wellness to the crew.
She is a licensed esthetician and massage therapist with a deep love for yoga, the ocean, and travel.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her surfing, diving, or hiking—always staying active and connected to nature. Her warm spirit, positive attitude, and radiant smile make her a guest favorite and a joy to have on board.
Maya is highly motivated, discreet, and attentive, offering a thoughtful presence that enhances each guest’s experience.
CHARTER on November 07-21, 2025 from Tahiti to Bora Bora / 2 guests from the US
Capt Bart –
You are one awesome guy ! So patient with our many questions + helping us in and out of that dinghy ! 😊
We always felt safe as you found us the best places to swim + snorkel.
You also make wonderful pancakes – a true multi-talented person.
You + Dagmar are a wonderful couple and it was a privilege to be in your world for 2 weeks.
Altogether a wonderful trip with a wonderful crew – You are invited to visit us anytime in Chicago or Italy !
Love from R. Z
Wow just Wow !!!
Thank you for a memorable trip on your beautiful boat with a terrific crew !
Eating Chez Dagmar was a treat every day all day - Thank you for the tips + ideas I hope to try them soon when
back home in Chicago + Italy. You are an extraordinary cook + a very special person.
We hope your toe heals quickly and that you are dancing by Christmas 😊
Maya – My lifesaver who rescued me from the coral garden current –
Thank you for your lovely smile each morning + our interesting conversations. You are a lovely young woman who
I’m sure will find your way and have a wonderful life.
V. Z
CHARTER on October 04-11, 2026 from Tahiti to Bora Bora / 6 guests from the US
There are no words ! A trip of a lifetime…and didn’t disappoint on any of it. Views, snorkeling, water and delicious food !
I can’t be more appreciative for everything – knowledge + history.
Dagmar – You are one of the best Chefs around ! And your positive & loving energy is infectious!!
Maya – Always so sweet and willing to help & enjoyed getting to talk with you…anytime you want to visit Chicago the invitation is always open.
Bart – You made me feel safe and adventurous. Thank you for sharing the beautiful places.
Love, S.
There is absolutely nothing you could have done to make this trip any more perfect. You are so gracious & welcoming. From answering our endless questions to the non-stop amazing food! We always felt so safe and cared for.
Bart, Dagmar & Maya, you will always be welcome in our home in Ventura. T will never ever forget winging off Raiatea !
Blessings on all of you and your families. Who knows, maybe we will meet again 😊
Love, T & J W.
This crew kicked ass!!
Bart – 10/10 ! The most skilled seaman I have ever had the pleasure of sailing with.
And Dagmar…just her name makes my mouth water. Do not eat ashore ! Dagmar’s kitchen will beat any restaurant hands down. She’s also a nurse in case you’re feeling blue. What a gem she is !!
And sweet Maya – always a beautiful smile & positive energy. This trip was nothing short of magical.
Thank you Bart, Dagmar & Maya !!!
R & S.
Captain Bart kicks ass !
Best Captain I’ve had so far; Dagmar cooked the finest meals ever! Needs to do Youtube sailing cook show! I hope my son meets a girl like Maya…
S.